Hidden Intent

by Anne M. Carpenter

A secluded heiress makes a devastating discovery in her Connecticut seaside home.  Suddenly, her husband's recent distance takes on a more sinister bite.  Will his hidden intent destroy her future, or is revenge on the plate?(a short story at 4000 words)

Genres: Short Stories, Suspense

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2011

About the author

Anne M. Carpenter loves writing - but is and was a reader first! Whether penning short stories (which she loves!) or frantically pounding out the story line for longer fiction, she writes with an eye on what she loves: a little suspense, a little irony, humor at times, a twist to keep the heart pounding and above all else, characters real enough to jump off the page.

Facebook: facebook.com/annemcarpenter
Twitter: twitter.com/annemcarpenter
GoodReads: goodreads.com/annemcarpenter
Web: annemcarpenter.com

Reviews

[Johanna Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Conflict right from the start and an interesting build to a completely unexpected ending. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed my interest, held my interest, and had a great twist at the end. I don't read a lot of short stories but I loved this.

[Jenene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got me from the very beginning! Kept me until the very twisted ending! Great short story!!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy and Jonathan's marriage wasn't exactly on the rocks, but it was getting a little shaky, as Jonathan appeared to be drifting away. When Joy found some hidden papers in her husband's study, she was shocked at what she learned. Jonathan had a ready explanation that sounded credible, and Joy appeared to accept it, but did she really believe him? And would he risk losing her and her trust fund millions?

What happened then was totally unexpected, and though perhaps a bit unlikely, it made for a good story with an O'Henry-style ending.

NOTE: After I got a few pages into the story, I thought that the cover art was foreshadowing the outcome. The knife that Joy is holding does factor into the story, but in a most unexpected way.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy is seen going into her husband's study. She's planning a surprise birthday party for him. She finds something in his study that puzzles her.

Joy and Jonathan don't seem to be a happy couple. How the title came to be will be clear as you continue to read. This party is a one of a kind. The ending was a complete surprise.

I would recommend reading this. It's short. It holds your attention. And if you only have a little time to enjoy a good read, this story is for you.

I give "Hidden Intent" 4 1/2 stars.

[Just My Opinion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I don't like short stories...I like to lose myself in a full fledged novel and forget everything else. I talked to Anne Carpenter on Twitter and decided to give one of her short stories, her favorite one, a try. I was pleasantly surprised!

What a ride this one was! While it was short, it was jam packed with deceit, betrayal and revenge. Lots of fun! What an unbelievably ironic ending too...did NOT see that coming! I really liked this and hope to read some more from Ms. Carpenter!!

[Micheal Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story by Anne has a twist at the end that made this story an excellant read.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another short story, and again I liked the way it flowed - most importantly, I loved what happened, clever and unexpected. No spoilers but will recommend it.

[Marcie Lovett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the kind of writing I usually read, so I was surprised that I enjoyed it. Short, tightly edited and surprising. Good fun.

[Richard Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun for a short story.